Wolfpack secures veteran linebacker Cam Riley from Auburn through the transfer portal.
Former Auburn linebacker Cam Riley has committed to NC State, following his official visit with the Wolfpack earlier this month. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 242 pounds, Riley’s decision to join the Wolfpack adds to their roster of Auburn transfers, joining safety Donovan Kaufman.
With starting linebackers Payton Wilson and Jaylon Scott reaching the end of their eligibility after the 2023 season, acquiring an experienced linebacker was a priority for NC State. Riley, who has one year of eligibility remaining, addresses this need.
During his time with the Tigers, Riley, a native of Evergreen, Alabama, played in 13 games last season, including one start, and recorded 32 tackles, with 3.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. In 2022, he had his most successful season at Auburn, tallying 65 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, in 11 games. Riley also appeared in 11 games in both 2020 and 2021, accumulating a combined 23 tackles during that period.
Riley, who signed with Auburn in 2020, was highly regarded as a Top247 member and a four-star prospect. He was ranked as the nation’s 14th-best outside linebacker and the No. 10 prospect in Alabama by 247Sports.
Despite receiving over 30 scholarship offers, including ones from Texas A&M, Oklahoma, LSU, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, among others, Riley ultimately decided to commit to Auburn.
Riley will join a linebacker rotation that is expected to feature redshirt junior Caden Fordham, senior Devon Betty, junior Wyatt Wright, redshirt freshman Kamal Bonner, and redshirt freshman Kelvon McBride. Additionally, top-100 signee Elijah Groves could compete for playing time as a true freshman. There has been speculation about safety Sean Brown transitioning to linebacker, but with Riley’s addition, Brown may remain at defensive back.
Riley marks the 12th transfer acquisition for the Wolfpack in this recruiting cycle, with four additions on the defensive side of the ball. He joins former Maryland nickel Tamarcus Cooley, former Maryland cornerback Corey Coley Jr., and former Villanova cornerback Devon Marshall.
Wolfpack defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, who also serves as State’s linebackers coach and has recently inked a three-year contract extension, played a pivotal role as Riley’s lead recruiter.
State, coming off a successful 2023 season with nine wins and a streak of at least eight wins for four consecutive years, kicks off its 2024 season on August 29 at home against Western Carolina. This is followed by a high-profile matchup against SEC opponent Tennessee in Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium.
